New insights into AZAL flight incident: Key decisions made in 'special meeting'
The controversial closure of the criminal case concerning the tragic crash of AZAL flight 1, which was shot down by Russian air defence systems last y...
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, have expressed their intention to present photographic and scientific evidence to a U.S. court to prove Mrs Macron is a woman, the BBC reports.
Tom Clare, a lawyer representing the Macrons who spoke to the BBC, says the President and his wife will present evidence to prove that the first Lady Brigitte was born female in a defamation suit they have brought against American right-wing activist Candace Owens.
Ms Owens' lawyers have responded with a motion to dismiss the claim explaining that it would cause "substantial financial and operational hardship" to defend herself in the case.
Speaking to the BBC's Fame Under Fire podcast, the Macrons' lawyer Mr Clare, said Mrs Macron had found the claims "incredibly upsetting" and they were a "distraction" to the French president.
"I don't want to suggest that it somehow has thrown him off his game. But just like anybody who is juggling a career and a family life as well, when your family is under attack, it wears on you. And he's not immune from that because he's the president of a country," he said.
Mr Clare said there would be "expert testimony that will come out that will be scientific in nature" and while he would not reveal, at this stage, its exact nature, he said the couple were prepared to demonstrate fully "both generically and specifically" that the allegations are false.
"It is a process that she will have to subject herself to in a very public way. But she's willing to do it. She is firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight.
"If that unpleasantness and that discomfort that she has of opening herself up in that way is what it takes to set a record straight and stop this, she's 100% ready to meet that burden," he said.
Mr Clare also told the BBC that the Macrons would supply pictures of Brigitte pregnant and raising her children to the court to support their claim in the lawsuit which was filed in July.
Ms Owens, a former commentator for conservative U.S. outlet Daily Wire who has millions of followers on social media, had claimed in 2024 that she would stake her “entire professional reputation” on the allegation.
In a previous interview with Paris Match, President Macron explained that they had chosen to pursue legal action to “defend his honour”.
He also attributed Owens’ claim to her far right leanings saying she “...did so with the aim of causing harm, in the service of an ideology and with established connections to far-right leaders."
According to the BBC, Owens has previously said she believes what she is saying is true and there is nothing more American than free speech and the ability to criticise.
Snow and ice stalled travellers in northwest Europe on Wednesday, forcing around a thousand to spend the night in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport but delighting others who set out to explore a snow-blanketed Paris on sledges and skis.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a strong response from the United States if its authorities kill protesters amid ongoing unrest.
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivity drop sharply, leaving millions of residents isolated from online communication.
Hungary’s foreign minister on Wednesday criticised European plans to establish military hubs in Ukraine, saying the move risks pushing Europe closer to a direct confrontation with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the United States to target Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Russia’s Chechnya region, with an operation similar to the recent U.S. action that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Türkiye has stepped back from mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan after repeated efforts failed to narrow deep differences between Islamabad and Kabul.
New York City parents could soon have access to free childcare for two-year-old children following a joint announcement made by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday (8 January).
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the U.S. is “gradually turning away” from some of its allies and “breaking free from international rules”.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv early on Friday (9 January) killed at least 4 people, injured at least 19, and caused significant damage to residential buildings and critical infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said.
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